B. Ed Course Work
Physical Geography: Zombie Attack!
This assignment that I completed in my Physical Geography class is a great example of how teachers can engage their students in course material by using creative project-based learning assignments. To explore how geographical analysis is used in the real world, we were asked to choose a country and create a map including all necessary map elements, major rivers, transportation systems and major land forms. Then, we were provided with the task of dealing with an outbreak of a Zombie virus within our country. This required us to use spatial analysis to identify connections between cities to explain the diffusion of the Zombie virus and to make predictions as to where the virus would spread next. Then, we had to divide our chosen country into regions to coordinate an outreach plan to communicate with citizens regarding the outbreak.
I found this project to be quite challenging, but the 'Zombie spin' made me really engage in the material. As a result, I feel as though I will remember this assignment and all that I learned in the process for many years to come. Furthermore, completing this project helped remind me that incorporating students' interests and allowing them to be creative leads to a much more meaningful learning experience.
This assignment that I completed in my Physical Geography class is a great example of how teachers can engage their students in course material by using creative project-based learning assignments. To explore how geographical analysis is used in the real world, we were asked to choose a country and create a map including all necessary map elements, major rivers, transportation systems and major land forms. Then, we were provided with the task of dealing with an outbreak of a Zombie virus within our country. This required us to use spatial analysis to identify connections between cities to explain the diffusion of the Zombie virus and to make predictions as to where the virus would spread next. Then, we had to divide our chosen country into regions to coordinate an outreach plan to communicate with citizens regarding the outbreak.
I found this project to be quite challenging, but the 'Zombie spin' made me really engage in the material. As a result, I feel as though I will remember this assignment and all that I learned in the process for many years to come. Furthermore, completing this project helped remind me that incorporating students' interests and allowing them to be creative leads to a much more meaningful learning experience.
|
Language Arts: Multi-Genre Project
A multi-genre project is a alternative to the standard essay format that allows students to present information in unique and creative ways. After conducting research a topic of interest, students use various styles of writing and expression (such as poetry, journal entries, dialogue, etc.) to communicate what they have learned. Multi-genre projects can also be used as interdisciplinary projects to combine research for another subject area, such as social studies, with the development of writing skills in language arts.
Below is an example of a multi-genre project focused on the life of Theodor Seuss Geisel that I created for my Secondary English Methods class. As a learner, I found the experience of creating a multi-genre project to be a little challenging at first as it pushed me to go beyond the traditional expository writing style I'd become accustomed to; however once I started compiling my project, I really got engaged in the process and enjoyed the freedom of being able to express myself in a variety of different ways.
A multi-genre project is a alternative to the standard essay format that allows students to present information in unique and creative ways. After conducting research a topic of interest, students use various styles of writing and expression (such as poetry, journal entries, dialogue, etc.) to communicate what they have learned. Multi-genre projects can also be used as interdisciplinary projects to combine research for another subject area, such as social studies, with the development of writing skills in language arts.
Below is an example of a multi-genre project focused on the life of Theodor Seuss Geisel that I created for my Secondary English Methods class. As a learner, I found the experience of creating a multi-genre project to be a little challenging at first as it pushed me to go beyond the traditional expository writing style I'd become accustomed to; however once I started compiling my project, I really got engaged in the process and enjoyed the freedom of being able to express myself in a variety of different ways.
multi-genre_project.pdf | |
File Size: | 1138 kb |
File Type: |
Digital Picture Story: The Industrial Revolution
|
This Digital Picture Story was created by me and my colleague Joannie Hudon as a way to introduce students to the topic of the Industrial Revolution. It contrasts our modern day comforts with pre-Industrial Revolution living conditions. This video can engage students by encouraging them to think about how different their lives would be if the Industrial Revolution had never occurred.
A special thanks to the staff at King's Landing for providing us with lots of great information! |
As an alternative to paper and pencil tests, digital picture stories can be a great tool to allow students to demonstrate what they have learned in a fun and creative way.
Digital Literacy
This poster was designed and created by me and my colleagues Marie-Christine Allard and Joannie Hudon to help provide middle school students with a few guidelines to keep in mind when doing online research. In the Digital Age, it's important that students be informed on how to make sure the sources they're accessing online are credible. The acronym 'ABOARD' helps students to remember a few key questions that allow them critically evaluate the information they are accessing online.
|